Following the recent ruling in Manchester City’s case, attention has turned to the fate of former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal.
The Dutchman has been advised to seek legal advice and investigate whether the financial breaches committed by City could have influenced the circumstances surrounding his sacking back in 2016.
What links van Gaal to the City case?
The connection arises from the conclusion of the 2015/16 season.
Under van Gaal's management, Manchester United finished fifth in the Premier League, accumulating the same points as Manchester City, yet trailing their rivals on goal difference.
Consequently, City secured the fourth spot and a place in the Champions League, while United found themselves outside of Europe’s premier competition.
Just days after claiming victory over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, van Gaal was shown the door, paving the way for Jose Mourinho's appointment.
Calls to reassess the situation
In the wake of the independent commission's verdict concerning Manchester City, Dutch journalist Sjoerd Mossou suggested that van Gaal should consider seeking legal advice about the potential ramifications of that season.
Football365 reported on the story, urging the former United manager to weigh up the possibility of taking legal action against City.
If the alleged breaches by Manchester City indeed affected competitive results during that period, a larger question arises: could other clubs and specific individuals have faced financial or career repercussions due to City’s actions?
Additionally, van Gaal has previously stated that his dismissal was not solely down to league placement. In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, he expressed feelings of betrayal upon discovering Manchester United's contacts with Mourinho while he was still at the helm.
